Financial Counselor

Location:Messino Cancer CentersPay Range:$19.16 - $31.94We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Financial Counselor to serve as a vital resource for patients navigating the financial aspects of their care.The ideal candidate will be skilled in discussing treatment estimates, insurance benefits, payment options, and financial assistance programs with patients in a clear and empathetic manner. This position requires strong analytical, communication, and customer service skills, along with a commitment to helping patients access the care they need.Messino Cancer Centers is named for its founder, Dr. Michael Messino. He started his medical oncology practice in 1990 with a vision to provide quality cancer care with compassion and kindness and in consideration of the whole patient as a unique individual.Why Choose Us?Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a consistent Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm schedule (no nights, no weekends and no major holidays), giving you more time for what matters most!Competitive Pay: We offer a generous salary along with a comprehensive PTO package, 6 paid holidays, and 2 "Floater" holidays to enjoy.Comprehensive Benefits: A full benefits package to ensure you and your loved ones are covered.Tuition Reimbursement: We support your personal and professional growth with tuition reimbursement programs.401K Matching: Secure your future with our 401K matching contributions.AON's WellBeing Program: We care about your overall well-being, offering resources through AON's WellBeing program to promote a healthy work-life balance.Job Description Summary:A Financial counselor serves as the liaison between the patient and the practice by coordinating payments, assistance, monitoring patient balances, and streamlining communication of the financial responsibilities of our patients. Performs the quality control function for pre-certification and prior authorization. The Financial Counselor ensures the patients’ insurance benefits are kept up to date in the electronic medical records (EMR) and billing software while also verifying the patient’s services meet insurance coverage appropriateness.Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:Monitors and coordinates internally and externally with the insurance company on the pre-certification and prior authorization processes, including peer-2-peer and appeals, seeking support from provider or pharmacy team when applicable.Review assigned patient(s) and/or Physician schedules for upcoming visits and/or treatment to establish patient financial responsibility.Review patients’ treatment plan(s) and identify if insurance benefit coverage is active and patient fiscal responsibility, all unplanned exceptions are to be communicated to provider immediately.Review and identify new treatment orders, generate an estimate of service and review with patient explaining insurance benefits and fiscal responsibility.If applicable, obtain necessary information from patient for assistance income guidelines.Identify and review patient ageing balances and establish proper arrangements with the patient to address outstanding balance(s).Discuss and explain forms and paperwork needed such as waivers, treatment estimates, payment plans, assistance applications, etc.Communicate openly and routinely throughout the course of the workday with providers, nursing staff, PSS staff, UM team and coworkers through Teams, phone calls, emails and in person to discuss fiscal responsibility and other items as needed.Work closely with outside entities to ensure full collaboration and completion of forms and items needed in a timely and sometimes urgent manner.Assist patient(s) with completing necessary paperwork for assistance and other grant funded programs in order to secure financial aid for treatment and services.Have an understanding of patient assistance programs and grant services processes to ensure adequate application, placement, and coordination with financial aid counseling team.Understand and comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to patient care, rights, safety, billing, and collections.Will be expected to work overtime when given sufficient notice of required overtime.Keep work area and records in a neat and orderly manner.Maintain all company equipment in a safe and working order.Adhere to all AON and departmental policies and procedures, including Revenue cycle policies and procedures.Performs other duties and projects as assigned.Job Qualifications and Requirements:Education: High school Diploma or GED required. Further education or degree a plus Certifications/Licenses: Previous Experience (including minimum years of experience):A minimum of two-years prior experience in the healthcare field, preferably in a clinical or business office setting required.Prior Healthcare customer service.Prior Medical terminology.Prior Medical insurance verification.Prior Verifying pre-certification and/or prior authorization with medical insurance.Excellent proven verbal and communication skills needed.Proven Insurance knowledge requirements including an understanding of medical terminology, ICD9, ICD10 and CPT codes.Prior Cash handling and monetary collection experience.Ability to calculate and collect patients’ responsibility and insurance co-pay/coinsurance.Core Capabilities:Analysis & Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills including solid problem solving, analysis, decision-making, planning, time management and organizational skills. Must be detailed oriented with the ability to exercise independent judgment.Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, diplomacy, tact, conflict management, delegation skills, and diversity awareness. Ability to work effectively with sensitive and confidential material and sometimes emotionally charged matters.Communication Skills: Good command of the English language. Second language is an asset but not required. Effective communication skills (oral, written, presentation), is an active listener, and effectively provides balanced feedback.Customer Service & Organizational Awareness: Strong customer focus. Ability to build an engaging culture of quality, performance effectiveness and operational excellence through best practices, strong business and political acumen, collaboration and partnerships, as well as a positive employee, physician and community relations.Self-Management: Effectively manages own time, conflicting priorities, self, stress, and professional development. Self-motivated and self-starter with ability work independently with limited supervision. Ability to work remotely effectively as required.Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-site environment with demonstrated ability to juggle competing priorities and demands from a variety of stakeholders and sites.Computer Skills:Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook required.Ability to use multiple screens to perform required job functions.Ability to navigate multiple applications and tab in and out of workflow to complete tasks.Travel : 0%Standard Core Workdays/Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required, and weekend shifts based on location hours and operational needs.#AONA#LI-ONSITEPractice: Messino Cancer CentersLocation:551 Brevard Road, AshevilleNC 28806 #J-18808-Ljbffr